Toddler swim lessons inPortola Hills
Looking for the best private toddler swimming lessons near me? It’s always a Sunsational time to learn to swim in Portola Hills! Our private swim lessons ensure rapid progress in essential water safety skills.
Thousands of
5-star reviews
swimmers
Sunsational Swim instructors
Safe, fun, and taught at home!
With our Learn-to-Swim Guarantee, if your toddler can’t demonstrate the “Sunsational Swim Sequence” by the twelfth lesson, we’ll give you up to four additional classes for free!
Sunsational Swim School brings essential swim skills to your home pool or local community pool, helping everyone enjoy the water more safely across the Portola Hills.
What are survival float lessons?
Portola Hills parents often ask if we teach survival float, self-rescue techniques or Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) lessons. We share the same fundamental goal as ISR - ensuring water safety - but our teaching methods differ. ISR often uses a method called “forced back floating”, where toddlers are repeatedly submerged to trigger a floating reflex. While learning to float is valuable, this method can cause negative associations with water.
At Sunsational Swim School, we focus on teaching both floating and essential swimming strokes. This ensures toddlers can stay afloat as well as move to safety confidently.
Our experienced instructors in Portola Hills use gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement, which helps toddlers develop water skills in a fun, nurturing environment. We’re committed to building a foundation of water confidence.
Why are swimming lessons so important for toddlers?
Drowning is the #1 leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. among children under 5, and in most cases, it happens in just minutes – even when a caregiver is nearby. In fact:
Swimming lessons can save lives. Give your toddler the gift of swimming which lasts a lifetime!
Levels we teach in our Swim Lesson Programs
Tadpole Skills
Cue words to learn to hold breath underwater
Assisted back float
Assisted front float/submersion
Developing underwater comfort & water acclimation
Assisted Kicking
Introduction of Water Safety Skills (based on age)
Blowing bubbles
Assisted "monkey crawl" along pool wall
Starfish Skills
Unassisted backfloat
Underwater swim (person to person & to wall)
"Monkey Crawl" holding the side of the pool wall
Reach for the side of the pool after submersion
Assisted roll to back float
Assisted climb out of pool
Goldfish Skills
Unassisted kicking underwater
Underwater turn to grab wall (near edge)
Roll to back float (less assistance)
Unassisted 15+ second back float
Assisted fall into water and roll to back float
Unassisted climb out of pool
Jellyfish Skills
Unassisted roll to back float
Drop in from pool edge, turn around and kick back to wall
Unassisted 30+ second back float
Unassisted roll to back float after fall in water
Seahorse Skills
Tread water
Assisted back float
Assisted front float/submersion
Developing underwater comfort & water acclimation
Assisted Kicking
Introduction of Water Safety Skills (based on age)
Blowing bubbles
Assisted "monkey crawl" along pool wall
Dolphin Skills
Breaststroke
Jump into pool tread water 10s return to side
Forward somersault
Skull head first 5m
Backstroke
Dolphin kick
Seal Skills
Technique refinement for all strokes
Tread water 30+ seconds
Retrieve underwater objects in deep water
Flip turns
Head first surface dive in deep water
Butterfly
Members Of
Benefits of kids swimming lessons
A 2009 study found that children who take kids swimming lessons have a significantly lower risk of accidental drowning. Learning to swim is essential for your kid’s safety and confidence in the water.
Kids swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning
Unlike many sports, swimming is something kids can start at any age, and continue throughout their lives. Swim classes introduce young swimmers to a skill that is best developed early.
Swimming is a lifelong activity
Obesity is a rising problem in America, and swimming lessons for children might just be the answer. Swimming is a great full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health and builds muscle strength.
Swimming builds strength and endurance
Swimming isn’t just about safety, it’s about enjoying the time in the water with confidence. Kids swimming lessons teach children lifesaving skills while also helping kids learn to enjoy swimming for the rest of their lives.
Important skill for fun and safety
This might surprise parents, but studies have shown children who undertake swim lessons at an early age develop stronger cognitive and motor skills, which can help them succeed in school. This means they might do better!
Kids who swim do better in school
Swimming isn’t just a fun activity and an important life skill, it’s also a fantastic form of exercise. Non-weight bearing and able to work out every single muscle group, starting swim lessons will keep them fit until they’ve grown!
A fun way to stay active and healthy
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We're so confident in the quality of our swim instructors that we stand behind them with our Sunsational Instructor Guarantee!
If your first lesson is anything less than Sunsational, just let us know and we can either refund your unused lesson time or re-start your lesson package with a more suitable Instructor, your choice!
Private swim lessons vs. Group swim lessons
Learn about why parents choose Sunsational for their Private Swimming Lessons
Private Swim Lessons
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Group Swim Lessons
Quick Results with 30+ minutes of individualized instruction
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Slow Progress with limited 1-on-1 attention
Flexible scheduling, book multiple kids back-to-back
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Preset class schedules, often different schedules for each child
Save time lessons at your home or community pool
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Time-Consuming - travel required to and from lessons
Faster Progression saves money in the long run
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More Sessions Needed to see real progress
Why choose Sunsational Swim School for your toddler’s swim lessons?
Water safety starts early
We prioritize safety in every lesson. Our toddler swim programs teach essential water safety skills, ensuring your child learns to swim in a fun yet secure environment.
A fun and progressive learning approach
At Sunsational Swim School our lessons follow a progressive method that makes learning fun; not stressful or fear-inducing. With private lessons our instructors go at your child's pace, progressing them only when they're ready.
Learn to swim guaranteed
We're so confident in our methods that we offer a Learn to Swim Guarantee in all of our private toddler swim classes. If your child can't swim back to the pool wall after 12 lessons, you'll get up to four more lessons for free.
Swim lessons that fit around your schedule
Portola Hills parents are busy, and often struggle to fit their toddler's swim lessons into their schedule. That's why our instructors come to you, holding lessons at a time, and pool, that's convenient for you.
Expert instructors you can trust
Our Portola Hills swim instructors are highly experienced and have a minimum of two years teaching, CPR and First Aid Certified, and many are also Red Cross lifeguard or Water Safety Instructor certified.
Lessons are fun and age-appropriate
We make learning to swim fun and engaging with games, activities and age-appropriate techniques. Young children also earn Sunsational skill charts and certificates to celebrate their progress!
Toddler lessons
The more lessons you buy, the more you save!
1 Student
30 - 45 Minute private Lessons
18 lessons
73
/ 30 minutes
102
/ HOUR
BEST VALUE
12 lessons
78
/ 30 minutes
108
/ HOUR
MOST POPULAR
6 lessons
84
/ 30 minutes
115
/ HOUR
*60+ minute lessons can be divided into back-to-back lessons for multiple children
Search Nearby Instructors
*If you'd like to work with a specific instructor, we'll do our best match you with your request. However, instructor availability is not guaranteed. If the instructor is unavailable, we'll pair you with a swim instructor who's equally qualified!
Brianna B.
Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Brianna has been teaching swimming since February 2013. With a passion for swimming that started young and moved into competitive swimming and water polo in high school. She loves teaching all ages, levels, and abilities, teaching ages from 4 months to adults. She loves helping even the youngest swimmers find a love for the water. A gentle but firm instructor to help give all kids the confidence they need to make it. Specialties: Parent and me, overcoming fears, stroke technique, children with special abilities, CPR/LG certified.
Bahar B.
Mission Viejo, California 92692
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hi everyone, I'm Bahar, and I'm super excited to be your swim instructor! I love helping kids and parents feel confident and have fun in the water. Can't wait to make a splash together! I have been working as a swim instructor and lifeguard since May 2006. I always enjoy having fun with kids and seeing them grow comfortable in the water. I have taught many students to learn how to swim at high levels. Some of them have been chosen for the national team. I use a unique method that helps children get comfortable in the water faster. After they feel relaxed, I teach them step-by-step how to swim with proper technique, just like professional swimmers. The very first skill I focus on is helping them swim confidently in both the shallow and deep water.
Frank N.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Sunsational Vetted Since 2024
I started swimming at the age of 6 years old at my local neighborhood pool with Kingston Knolls Swim Team. My original instructor was Kent Markel who taught me all strokes, including life-saving skills at a very young age. I competed throughout the summers in Arizona, achieving success in the Southern Arizona Aquatics Association (SAAA). I truly look forward to working with your child or children of all ages to help teach and coach them to learn how to swim, but most importantly teaching water safety while still having fun. We will enjoy it together!
Edwin H.
Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hello, my name is Coach Michael, and I am genuinely thrilled for the chance to work with you. Swimming has been a lifelong passion of mine. My goal is to create a positive, supportive environment where you can discover the thrill of the water and feel empowered every time you step in. Ive had the privilege of coaching both neurotypical and neurodivergent children and adults across all ages and skill levels. I focus on creating an atmosphere of encouragement and fun, and I love teaching essential lifelong swimming skills through play-based and confidence-building activities. I am truly excited to help you build not only strong skills, but also a genuine love for swimming, and hopefully a love that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Haojun N.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi! My name is Jack! I have been involved in water polo since February 2015, and I am a National First Level Water Polo Athlete in China. I know how to swim and swim well! Cant wait to see you out there in the pool!
Kyle S.
Coto de Caza, California 92679
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi, I'm Kyle Shobe, an enthusiastic swim instructor ready to teach your child of any age and skill level to be safe and confident in the water. As a competitive water polo player in high school, college, and master's programs for over 20 years off and on, I am an excellent teacher with a strong background in the water. My goal as a teacher is to help every student reach their potential with a personalized lesson plan that incorporates strong fundamentals and, of course, some fun!
Nahsima T.
Irvine, California 92618
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hi! My name is Nahsima Titanji, and I love anything to do with water. Whether you have babies or tweenagers, Id love to be a part of their swim journey. I have been competing in swimming since November 2015 with NOVA Aquatics, and I have also been coaching swimming since December 2021 with the ISL team, Portola Storms. If your swim goal consists of diving improvement, stroke refinement, and overall endurance, then youve found your coach!
McKennley M.
Irvine, CA 92618
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi, my name is McKennley McDonald. I was a competitive swimmer for 12 years and have coached competitive and summer swimming since February 2021.
Nicole S.
Mission Viejo, California 92692
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hi, I am Nicole! I love the water, but it did not always used to be that way. When I first learned to swim, I hated putting my face underwater, but I was able to overcome my fear and swam competitively from May 2005 to May 2017. I love teaching kids how to safely have fun in the pool by building their confidence and strength in swimming. I remember what it was like to be afraid of the water, so I want to help kids overcome any fears they have about swimming. I have instructed and coached many kids in the past, from infants to teenagers. I cannot wait to help your child grow and develop their skills in the water so both of you feel confident in their ability to enjoy the pool safely :)
Aidan H.
Mission Viejo, California 92692
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hello! My name is Aidan, and Im so excited to connect with you! Since before I learned how to swim, I have loved the water, and thats exactly why my mom put me in swim lessons at a young age. Being named a little fish by my instructor, that love followed me through my life and led me to start teaching swim lessons since January 2022. Im a certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. I have worked with students starting at 3 months of age, including those with special needs. Water safety is incredibly important and has become a massive passion for me. I also have been working with children in all settings since October 2017 and am studying to become a teacher! I hope that we are able to schedule some lessons :)
Payden L.
Irvine, California 92620
Sunsational Vetted Since 2024
Hello! My name is Payden and I was on my club swim team for 4 years. I taught swim lessons for the school district for 4 summers and lifeguarded during my last 2 years of high school. The summer classes had 3-8 students, so Ive always taught with enthusiasm to keep my many students engaged. Learning to swim can be scary, but it should be fun! I look forward to making swim class an exciting part of your childs week.
Sophia S.
irvine, California 92620
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi, Im Sophia! I have been a swim instructor since July 2023, and I absolutely love helping people of all ages feel confident and safe in the water. Im friendly, patient, and always strive to create a positive and encouraging learning environment. Whether youre just starting out or looking to improve your skills, Im here to support you every step of the way!
Jake B.
Irvine, CA 92604
Sunsational Vetted Since 2016
Hello! My name is Jake and I've been teaching and helping people swim for over 15 years. I've taught ages from 3 all the way up to 70. I have a strong background in youth mental development in terms of fear, anxiety, self-belief, and confidence! I have accreditation from Australia and USA. I LOVE engaging young swimmers and turning them on to this great sport! I have open-water experience as a competitive triathlete who still places high in my current age group.
Sierra T.
Irvine, California 92618
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hello! I was a competitive swimmer for 9 years and have a background in instructing both private and group lessons for kids ages 2-17 since October 2019! As a former high school All-American swimmer, I bring an adaptive teaching style for beginners and experienced swimmers alike. My goal is to help students feel safe and confident in the water while having fun along the way! I look forward to working with you!
Kristen C.
Aliso Viejo, California 92656
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Kristen has been teaching swim lessons since February 2010. Her love of children is what sparked her interest in beginning to teach. She enjoys teaching all levels, abilities, and ages how to learn to love the water. She can take even the most hesitant of swimmers and help them grow to be safe, confident, and capable. Whether working with babies, beginners, or teaching the techniques of the strokes, her individualized approach has produced strong swimmers. She is Lifeguard/CPR certified, has worked with individuals with special abilities, and can help anyone overcome any fears they may have and learn to see the magic of the water.
Mia H.
Irvine, California 92606
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
My name is Mia, and Im a recent graduate from the University of California, Irvine. I have been a lifeguard since February 2021 and have been a swim instructor since February 2018! I have worked with students from ages 3 months to 50 years old, and Im very passionate about spreading water safety throughout my community!
Isabella G.
Irvine, California 92614
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hello, my name is Bella, and I love teaching swim lessons! I have been in the water my whole life, doing competitive swimming and also water polo. I think every child should have the opportunity to be water-safe, and I love being a part of that goal. Ive worked with all ages and levels of swimming, from babies to adults. Most of my experience comes from working at YMCAs since February 2020. I also specialize in kids with ADHD and autism.
Isabel K.
Irvine, CA 92602
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi! I'm Isabel, a passionate swim coach with over 15 years of experience in the water. I swam competitively throughout high school and college and have competed at national-level meets across the country. Beyond my competitive background, Ive been a certified lifeguard for two years and have taught swim lessons to a wide range of studentsfrom young children to older adults. In addition to coaching, Ive worked as a tutor for middle and high school students since November 2021. This has given me a strong foundation in working with kids, helping them feel comfortable, confident, and supported both in and out of the pool. Whether you're looking to build water confidence, refine your technique, or train at a competitive level, Im here to help you reach your goals in a safe, encouraging environment.
Sandra B.
Irvine, California 92612
Sunsational Vetted Since 2026
Hello! My name is Sandra Boggio, and Im a freshman in college with over five years of experience as a swim instructor. Im also a certified medical assistant. I love working with kids and truly enjoy teaching them how to swim with patience, kindness, and encouragement. I played water polo and was a competitive swimmer throughout high school, which has given me a strong foundation in water safety and technique. I would love the opportunity to teach your children in a safe, positive, and supportive environment. Thank you so much for your time!
Taylor C.
Tustin, California 92780
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hi there, my name is Taylor! I have been swim instructing since March 2019. I swam in high school and have been around club teams my whole adult life. Ive taught swim lessons at several different locations to children ranging from six months old to adults. I like to personalize my lesson plans to the individual and their needs.
Aaliya V.
Irvine, CA 92617
Sunsational Vetted Since 2025
Hello! My name is Aaliya Virani, and I am currently a student at the University of California, Irvine. I grew up with a great love for swimming, and this is my third summer teaching swim lessons since June 2022! I am passionate about teaching swimming and would love the opportunity to spread that passion in my community!
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Find out if a Sunsational Swim instructor is in your area
Available all across the USA!
Got questions?
We have answers. When should toddlers start swim lessons?
We make scheduling easy. Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend lessons are avaialble 6AM-8PM to fit your family’s lifestyle. You choose the days, times and number of lessons per week that works for you. Because all lessons are private, scheduling is completely flexible and can be adjusted for vacations or weather. In Portola Hills, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever you’re ready.
Yes—Sunsational’s instructors in Portola Hills are CPR-certified and are insured under our company liability insurance policy. Every Sunsational certified swim instructor has a minimum prior 2 seasons of teaching experience. Lessons are always one-on-one or small group for close supervision. Our instructors teach toddlers to float, roll to their back, and safely reach the pool edge—what we call the Sunsational Safety Sequence. These skills are proven to reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88% for children ages 1 to 4 years old[1] and are included in our Learn to Swim Guarantee for children ages 3 and up!
Your child’s first swim lesson focuses on safety, comfort, and trust. Our instructor will introduce floating, kicking, blowing bubbles, and gentle submersion using songs and games. Our private swim instructors in Portola Hills come to you and lessons are taught in your own pool to create a safe, familiar environment. Teers are not unexpected, but what is even more expected is that your child will become more familiar and more confident in the water!
Every child learns at their own pace, but most toddlers in Portola Hills start floating, kicking, and swimming short distances within a few weeks of consistent lessons. Sunsational’s personalized approach—taught in your own pool—helps toddlers learn faster than in group swim schools. With Sunsational's Learn to Swim Guarantee, toddlers ages 3 and up are guaranteed to learn to swim within 12 lessons, or we’ll provide up to four additional lessons free until they do.
Most parents in Portola Hills start toddler swim lessons between 18 months and 3 years old. At this age, children are curious, active, and ready to begin learning basic swimming and safety skills. Sunsational’s certified instructors in {{metroAarea}} customize lessons to your toddler’s confidence and comfort level. We offer a learn to swim guarantee for toddlers ages 3 and up!
Swim lessons help toddlers build coordination, strength, and confidence—but the biggest benefit is safety. In Portola Hills, where many families enjoy backyard pools, HOA pools, beaches or home pool parties, coastal beach days, early swim instruction reduces drowning risk by up to 88% for children ages 1-4 years old and teaches respect for the water while keeping learning playful.
Yes! Sunsational offers both private 1-on-1 swim lessons and small sibling or friend groups in Portola Hills and nearby neighborhoods in Orange County. Private lessons let your child learn at their own pace with minimal distractions.
We understand if you're concerned about selecting the right swim instructor for your lessons, because we are too! Our full-time, dedicated matching team carefully reviews your registration and hand selects a swim instructor for your lessons based on your swimmer's age, goals and your schedule. You'll receive a detailed instructor profile with experience, certifications, and reviews. If you'd like to request a specific instructor in Portola Hills, we'll do our best to accommodate. But rest assured that we stand behind each of our swim instructors and selections with our Satisfaction Guarantee.
For baby and some toddler lessons, parent participation is encouraged for building water comfort. For older children (typically ages 2+), parents are not specifically encouraged to be in the water, as our one-on-one private instruction is designed to build independence. However, we always require a responsible adult to be present on the premises for all lessons with minors. If you have specific preferences or concerns, our team is happy to accommodate them in your registration. We tailor each lesson to your comfort and goals.
